FINRA Series 99 Exam Guide: Requirements, Syllabus & Career

By IIC Lakshya

09 Jan 2026

ACCA

FINRA Series 99 Exam Guide: Requirements, Syllabus & Career

If you are planning to apply for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 99 exam, you need to learn about the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, you can also learn about the syllabus, cracking the exam, and learn more about the career path related to the Series 99 in this article.

What is the FINRA Series 99 Exam?

Officially known as the Operations Professional Qualification Examination (OP), the FINRA Series 99 exam prepares candidates to become successful securities professionals. The FINRA course & syllabus teaches candidates how to perform core operational functions at broker-dealers.

The Series 99 helps candidates focus on operational and back-office roles within a firm or as a freelancer. It is quite different from the representative-level exams as it helps professionals learn and understand the operational controls, regulatory requirements, and risk management processes across financial firms.

Eligibility Criteria for FINRA Series 99 Exam

To learn whether you are eligible to appear for the FINRA Series 99 exam, you have to read the following requirements. These eligibility criteria are not formally demanded, but they are educational prerequisites which help candidates prepare for the diverse FINRA exam better.

Candidates must associate with a FINRA-member firm
Candidates work in or are designated in the operations-related role
A FINRA-accredited firm should sponsor candidates through FINRA
The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam must be completed if the specific FINRA exam requires it

FINRA Series 99 Exam Syllabus

Professionals working in the securities industry must learn about the syllabus of the FINRA Series 99 exam. The FINRA Series exam study books also support the skill development of the candidates. There are four major functional areas which focus on regulatory compliance and operational oversight.

Customer Protection, Clearance & Settlement

In this area, the topics that are covered are trade settlement processes. Candidates learn about safeguarding assets in this section, which helps them understand better. Additionally, another topic in this section is customer account protection.

Control Environment

The section covers topics like internal controls and risk management as professionals develop skills to contribute to operating in an organisation. Another topic that is covered in this area is supervision systems.

Operational Risk & Compliance

FINRA candidates develop a deeper understanding of regulatory obligations, which enhances their skills. There are other topics covered in this section, such as cybersecurity and business continuity planning.

Financial Reporting & Recordkeeping

Candidates learn about different processes like regulatory filings, net capital rules, and bookkeeping. Securities professionals develop a deeper understanding of books and records in an organisation. There are other exams in the securities industry, like the FINRA Series 7 or the FINRA Series 6 exam, which educate professionals.

How to Crack the FINRA Series 99 Exam?

When you are appearing for the FINRA Series 99 exam, you must follow some of the strategies and tips. To become skilful professionals, candidates must attend multiple-choice questions. They are designed in such a way that their practical knowledge and understanding of the exam. Here is a step-by-step study guide for the FINRA Series exam and preparation.

Candidates must study the FINRA content in detail and choose the appropriate study materials and resources
The securities professionals preparing for the exam must focus on real-world situations related to the operations of a firm
Practical exams and mock tests are a must for candidates to practice, so that weaknesses can be identified
A study plan must be prepared based on the four different sections of the syllabus; understanding them is more important than memorising
All FINRA rules and regulations must be followed, learnt and applied in the everyday learning of candidates

Career Path After FINRA Series 99 Exam

As a security professional, if you want to learn about the diverse career paths that are available for FINRA candidates pursuing the FINRA Series 99 exam. Below are some of the professional designations and roles that candidates can apply for.

The FINRA Series 99 exam offers a license to professionals working in the securities industry. It enhances the credibility of a career, leading to leadership positions in senior compliance or operational sections within financial institutions and broker-dealers.

Compliance Officer
Trade Support Manager
Operations Professional
Back-Office Supervisor
Risk Management Analyst

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, the FINRA Series 99 exam supports and enhances professionals working in the securities industry. The exam helps advance candidates further in their careers in financial compliance and operations. With the updated eligibility requirements and strategies to prepare, you can crack the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions on FINRA Series 99 Exam

What is the 2-year rule for FINRA?

The 2-year rule for FINRA states that even if a candidate has terminated their registration with the FINRA institute, they are still subject to the jurisdiction of FINRA for another 2 years.

Can you take FINRA exams at home?

If candidates want to take the FINRA exams at home, they need to choose the scheduling of the exam as a Remotely Proctored Exam. There is also the option of taking an online exam by accessing the scheduling page.

What jobs can you do with a Series 24?

There are significant jobs that candidates can apply for once they complete and qualify for the Series 24. The jobs are Head of Intermediary Distribution, Chief Compliance Officer, Compliance Officer, and Compliance Ops Associate.

What will disqualify you from FINRA?

Any event or steps that connect a FINRA candidate with felony convictions, a history of misdemeanours, and investment-related injunctions will disqualify you from FINRA.

What is the FINRA 5% rule?

According to the FINRA guidelines, brokers should not charge markups, markdowns, or commissions that exceed 5%. It ensures that the investors experience fair pricing.